The United Kingdom (UK) government has officially announced a National Cancer Plan that provides each patient with personalized support, according to their needs, covering treatment, mental health and employment support.
Under the new policy published on Wednesday 4 February 2026, the government plans to link patients to cancer charity support through the National Health Service (NHS) app as soon as they are diagnosed.
The government says it plans to cover not only diagnosis and treatment, but also the full impact of the disease on the patient’s life, including anxiety and fatigue after treatment. It will also help patients access physiotherapy and counseling once treatment has ended, to help them rebuild their lives.
UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting, who is also a cancer survivor, said: “The scheme aims to provide support and ensure no patient is left alone with cancer,” adding: “It is the biggest change to the way we support cancer patients in a generation.”
The government plans to transform the NHS app, so patients can use it to book screening appointments, view their patient record, check their Personalized Cancer Plan and provide feedback on the care they received.
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He added that it was deeply personal as he lost his brother to cancer.
Prime Minister Starmer added: “I lost my brother to cancer. I was with him when he was told of his diagnosis, a moment I will never forget. Throughout, the NHS respected and cared for him. When he passed away, it hit me like a bus, even though I knew it was coming. I am determined that every person diagnosed with cancer has the best possible chance of beating it.”
